The £1million fund will be spread across three years, with individual grant applications of up to £150,000 being accepted each year and judged by an independent panel of experts. Projects must be completed within 12 months and offer measurable impacts and tangible solutions.

Considering the full life-cycle

While Ecosurety recognises that innovation and investment into recycling technologies for packaging, batteries and WEEE is the best direct route to increase UK recycling capacity, it is also aware of the need for reduction and re-use strategies to minimise the negative impact these products have on the environment.

On this basis, the Ecosurety Exploration Fund will be open to projects that tackle packaging, battery or electronic waste across the full life-cycle of the products - from production, use and collection through to their end-of-life treatment or reuse.

Successful applicants to the Ecosurety Exploration Fund could include innovative technologies, awareness campaigns, processes, materials or research into improving existing behaviours or systems.

Judged by leading independent experts

All entries will be carefully considered before a long-list is compiled by Ecosurety, which will then be judged by a high profile panel of five major producers and five independent experts from industry, non-governmental organisations and businesses.

A vital springboard for innovative projects

James Piper, CEO at Ecosurety commented “The launch of the Ecosurety Exploration Fund is a hugely exciting step for our company. We hope it will provide a vital springboard for projects that offer innovative solutions to the challenges that packaging, batteries and e-waste currently pose to the environment."

"Ecosurety remains committed to boosting recycling rates in the UK as well as playing its part in the transition to a circular waste economy. We encourage all organisations with eligible projects to apply to the Ecosurety Exploration Fund and look forward to reviewing the entries.”

Libby Peake, Senior Policy Advisor at Green Alliance commented on her appointment as a judge for the fund: “We are just waking up to the problems caused by our throwaway society in the UK and the inadequacy of our recycling systems. It’s the start of a journey that will hopefully see considerable changes in how we think about and use resources."

"Finding new solutions to the old problems associated with waste packaging, batteries and electricals will prove absolutely vital – and I look forward to seeing what ideas are out there.”

Peter Maddox, Director of WRAP UK, said: “The move to a circular economy for packaging, e-waste and batteries requires innovative and bold new thinking. Harnessing new designs, technologies and ideas will ensure that our own recycling infrastructure continues to develop whilst solutions to minimise the wider environmental impacts of these products are also found."

"The Ecosurety Exploration Fund will provide a much-needed springboard for pioneering ideas in this sector, and I’m excited to be a part of the panel."

How to apply

Applications to the Ecosurety Exploration Fund can be made via the Ecosurety website from today by visiting www.ecosurety.com/impact/exploration-fund, where full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found.

The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm, 10 March 2020. Judging will take place on 21 April 2020 and the winners will be announced at a special event in May 2020.

If you have any questions regarding the Ecosurety Exploration Fund, please contact us by emailing explorationfund@ecosurety.com or by calling 0333 4330 370.

Ben Luger

Marketing communication specialist

Ben joined the team at the beginning of 2015 to help drive the marketing communications for Ecosurety, working closely with all areas of the business to help spread the good word!